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A Preview of the Raptors’ Next Big Rivalry In the East – Part 2

By Avesta Shadpey

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles away from Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles away from Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the NBA season approaches, we continue our predictions on potential rivalries for the Raptors in the foreseeable future. 

The Raptors’ chances of forming a new rivalry within the East remains likely for the upcoming season. Originally, I shed light on why the Boston Celtics would be the team requiring Toronto’s attention. There is, however, a short list of other candidates worthy of mention; one of which being the Indiana Pacers.

Remembering a near-disastrous playoff series

The seven-game clash between Toronto and Indiana was bound to be an unpredictable one from the get-go. For the Raptors, the thought of another first round loss at the hands of a lower seeded team following a successful season was too much to bear. The Pacers, on the other hand, desperately desired to return to the team they were prior to Paul George’s injury. Considering the intensity with which both teams played during this match up, it wouldn’t be shocking for some of that passion to bleed through into the regular season; sparking the making of a new rivalry.

Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toronto Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toronto Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

A remodelled team

The Pacers enter the season as a remodeled team. Acquiring Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young, and Al Jefferson significantly deepens the team’s talent. With Teague, the Pacers will have more speed in their backcourt than they previously did with George Hill. Thad Young will defend the league’s best forwards alongside Paul George while keeping up with their guards’ pace. While the addition of Teague and Young is an upgrade in talent in itself, the Pacers took it up a notch by signing Al Jefferson to contribute to the frontcourt. The 12-year vet doesn’t compliment Indiana’s new starting lineup quite well, but, given Myles Turner should be a starter, Jefferson can utilize his post game for a few runs coming off the bench.

Take a side-by-side look at both teams’ projected starting lineups for the forthcoming season:

Apr 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hits a three-point shot against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in game two of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pacers 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hits a three-point shot against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in game two of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pacers 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Matchup

The Raptors dominated this matchup in the regular season; winning three games to the Pacers’ one. The playoffs, on the other hand, brought a different result. The Pacers consistently managed to disturb Lowry and DeRozan, drastically lowering their FG%. Overall, the Raptors all-stars’ performance against Indiana in the playoffs did not match their usual level of play. That being said, Lowry and DeRozan’s inability to score was not a proper portrayal of their talent, despite Paul George’s performance being far superior.

While the similarities between the Raptors and Pacers aren’t many, both teams run their offense around a top ten league leader in points per game. DeMar DeRozan and Paul George arguably played their most competitive game against each other in game 5 of the quarterfinals. In the end, DeRozan’s 34 points on 10/22 shooting paved the way for the Raptors; allowing them to take a 3-2 lead in the series. However, considering the danger Paul George had been with his 39 points on an efficient 11/19 shooting, the outcome of the game could have been in either team’s favor.

Related Story: A Preview of the Raptors' Next Big Rivalry - Part 1

It’s been two years since Indiana made back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference finals. As long as they have an active superstar in Paul George, it would be a mistake to count them out of the race. The Raptors have not lost their ground as the second best team in the East. We hope the Raptors vs. Pacers revisit the excitement and passion that rivalries brings to the NBA.